From a humanitarian perspective, the issue of freedom of association in Nepal must not be ignored. This was the assertion of Elly Rosita Silaban, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI), at the International Labor Conference (ILC) Session 114 in Geneva on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Although Nepal was not included in the list of individual cases filed by the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) this year, the KSBSI President believes the substance of the issue remains urgent and warrants attention by the international labor movement.
She made this statement after discussions with representatives of Asia-Pacific and European labor unions on the sidelines of ILC Session 114.
Nepal’s Policy Deemed a Human Rights Violation
The discussion focused on Nepal’s labor developments, particularly the implementation of ILO Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining.
Elly Rosita Silaban highlighted the new Nepalese government’s policy of attempting to restrict, or even eliminate, the existence of politically affiliated labor unions, particularly in the public sector.
This move sparked strong opposition from Nepalese labor unions and international labor union federations. They considered the policy to be contrary to the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining guaranteed by the Nepalese Constitution and ILO labor standards.
“We are discussing this, not just a labor issue. This is a humanitarian issue. If workers’ basic rights are restricted for political reasons, then we are violating human dignity,” said Elly Rosita Silaban.
Democracy Without Unions Is a Lie
For the President of the KSBSI, freedom of association is not a gift from the government. It is a human right inherent from birth.
“For the labor movement, freedom of association is not a right that can be limited by political interests or changes in government. This right is the main foundation of social dialogue, workplace democracy, and worker protection,” she emphasized.
Elly reminded that without independent unions, there is no equal bargaining. Without equal bargaining, there is no justice. And without justice, democracy in the workplace is just a slogan.
“Democracy without unions is a lie. Because workers’ voices will never be heard if their organizations are disbanded,” she said.
Solidarity for the Struggle of Nepalese Workers
Closing her statement, Elly Rosita Silaban delivered a message of solidarity as a female leader in the labor movement.
“Solidarity for Nepalese workers and labor unions in their fight for fundamental rights in the world of work. KSBSI stands with you. Your struggle is a humanitarian struggle for all workers worldwide,” she concluded.
This stance reinforces Indonesia’s position at the 2026 ILC: safeguarding international labor standards with all our hearts. Because for KSBSI, any attack on freedom of association anywhere is an attack on humanity everywhere.
